FOLDABLE DOCUMENT FILE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE VOLUME

Abstract: Document file which can be folded flat and has an adjustable volume, characterized in that it comprises a pair of flat elements, separated from each other, designed to make up an internal component (2) and an external component (3) of the file (1), the said elements having respective flaps (6-6' and 7-7') which, once they have been folded at right angles, form a first internal half-shell and a second external half-shell, or a male and female part respectively, which can be inserted one inside the other to form a boxlike containing structure which can be closed on itself; the flaps (6-6' and 7-7') which are provided on at least three sides of the internal and external components having complementary engagement elements (9, 10) positioned so as to adjust the connection of the flaps (6-6' and 7-7'), for example in a stepped or similar manner, in order to define correspondingly adjustable volumes of the file (1) in its assembled and ready-to-use state. Furthermore, the female external half-shell (3) is fitted with identification accessories (16). In order to be able to fold the file flat, so that it can be packed, stored and transported easily and conveniently, the flaps (7-7') forming the side opposite the opening include releasable closure elements (12, 13).

Description: FOLDABLE DOCUMENT FI LE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE VOLUME The present invention relates to a document file, in particular for archiving purposes, which can be folded flat and has an adjustable volume. Document files of various forms are already known from the state of the art, including those having a parallelepipedal shape with one side and one end which can be opened like a folder and which can contain loose documents or folders of documents. These files of the known art, which are usually made of plastic or stout cardboard, basically have two main drawbacks: a large volume when they are empty and being stored either during production or distribution or by the final user; the need to have various types of files with different volumes and consequently the need to have several stock items both in production and distribution, or at the customer's premises, resulting in increased costs and complex management of supplies, since it is impossible to predict which size of file will best suit customer requirements. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved structure of elements for the production of files of the type mentioned above which enables the drawbacks listed above to be overcome. According to the present invention the file is made from a pair of flat elements, separated from each other, designed to make up an internal component and an external component of the said file. These elements have respective flaps which, once they have been folded at right angles, from a first internal half-shell and a second external half-shell, or a male and female part respectively, which can be inserted one inside the other to form a box-like containing structure which can be closed on itself. The flaps, which are provided on at least three sides of the internal and external components, have complementary engagement elements positioned so as to adjust the connection of the flaps, for example in a stepped or similar manner, in order to define correspondingly adjustable volumes of the file in its assembled and ready-to-use state. In order to be able to fold the file flat, so that it can be packed, stored and transported easily and conveniently, the flaps forming the side opposite the opening can be opened and include releaseable closure elements. Furthermore, the female external half-shell is fitted with identification accessories. Preferably, according to the present invention, the male and female half- shells are made from a thermoplastic material with oriented macromolecules, so as to be able to produce a set of integral hinges at the points where the two half-shells are folded during assembly of the file. However, cardboard provided with suitable crease lines corresponding to the lines of folding may also be used. Again according to the present invention, the two half-shells are preferably provided with microperforations in order to enable air to circulate inside the file, thereby providing improved storage conditions for the papers contained therein. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the detailed description which follows which is given with reference to a preferred embodiment of the invention described by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example and based on the figures shown in the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the file according to the present invention in its assembled state; and Figure 2 shows the file of Figure 1 in plan view. With reference to the figures, the file 1 comprises an internal component 2 and external component 3 formed from two flat elements which are separated from each other. The components 2 and 3 comprise a central body 4 and 5, with reference to the internal component 2 and to the external component 3 respectively, and have flaps 6-6' at the top and bottom and flaps 7-7' at the rear which are joined to three sides, of the central body 4-5 by means of integral hinges, indicated diagrammatically by 8-8' and obtained during the moulding stage of the internal and external component during its production. These integral hinges 8-8' are well known and can be produced when using plastic materials having oriented macromolecules such as polypropylene, for example MOPLEN by Montedison. Advantageously, for embodiments of this type recycled and recyclable polypropylene can be used, resulting in considerable advantages from the point of view of reducing the costs of supplying materials. The flaps 6-6' and 7-7' of the file 1, including the corresponding flaps which are not visible in Figure 1, are provided with a series of projections and corresponding recesses, indicated as a whole by 9 and 10, of complementary shape, so that when they engage inside one another they can define varying thicknesses S of the file in order to form different sizes of file during use of the structure, thereby enabling stocks and archive space to be optimized. The flaps 6' and 7' are also provided with slots 12 positioned so as to engage with fastening elements 13 having a small expandable and removable nail, or similar connection means, which holds the external flaps 6 and 7 in position with respect to the internal flaps 6' and 7'. Clearly, the same structure is duplicated for those parts which are not visible in the figure. The back and/or one side of the file have, on the external flap 6 and/or 7, a finger hole 14 which is line with a corresponding slot 15 formed in the internal flap 6' and/or 7'. One or more pockets 16 are also provided and are designed to hold an identification card of conventional type. In order to be able to carry it easily, a removable handle (not shown in the figure) may be attached to the file once it has been assembled. The internal component 2 and the external component 3 are fitted with opening flaps 17-18 and 18' in order to allow access inside the said file. The opening flap 18 is furthermore provided with one or more reversible closure elements 19. Small feet, indicated diagrammatically at 20, may also be provided on the internal component 2 in order to give the file greater stability when it is stacked or placed on shelves or the like. Preferably, the walls of the file are provided with microholes in order to allow at least some air to circulate so as to allow the papers contained therein to "breathe", thereby preventing them from deteriorating.

Claims: Claims: 1. Document file which can be folded flat and has an adjustable volume, characterized in that it comprises a pair of flat elements, separated from each other, designed to make up an internal component (2) and an external component (3) of the file (1), the said elements having respective flaps (6-6' and 7-7') which, once they have been folded at right angles, form a first internal half-shell (2) and a second external half-shell (3), or a male and female part respectively, which can be inserted one inside the other to form a box-like containing structure which can be closed on itself; the flaps (6-6' and 7-7') which are provided on at least three sides of the internal and external components (2, 3), having complementary engagement elements (9, 10) positioned so as to adjust the connection of the flaps (6-6' and 7-7'), for example in a stepped or similar manner, in order to define correspondingly adjustable volumes of the file (1) in its assembled and ready-to-use state; the female external half-shell (3) being fitted with identification accessories (16). 2. File according to claim 1, characterized in that the male and female half-shells (2, 3) are made from a thermoplastic material with oriented macromolecules, so as to be able to produce a set of integral hinges (8, 8') at the points where the two half-shells are folded during assembly of the file. 3. File according to claim 2, characterized in that the two half-shells (2, 3) are preferably provided with microperforations in order to enable air to circulate inside the file, thereby providing improved storage conditions for the papers contained therein. 4. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flaps (17-18, 18') on the fourth side are formed so as to constitute opening and closure means in the shape of an access flap (18) which can be locked by means of one or more reversible closure elements (19). 5. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flaps (7,7') forming the side opposite the opening can be opened and include releaseable closure elements (12, 13) in order to be able to fold the said file flat. 6. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the complementary engagement means (9, 10) positioned so as to adjust the connection of the flaps in a stepped manner in order to define corresponding volumes of the file consist of a plurality of projections and complementary recesses formed at several points on the flaps (6-6' and 7-7') of at least three sides of the internal (2) and external (3) components. 7. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of small support feet (20) provided on the internal component. 8. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided for the attachment of a removable carrying handle. 9. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material making up the file consists of recycled and/or recycleable polypropylene. 10. File according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material making up the file consists of cardboard provided with suitable crease lines.

Inventors: BOCCACCI ROBERTO, BOCCACCI, ROBERTO
Applicants: BOCCACCI ROBERTO, BOCCACCI, ROBERTO
Application year: 1994
Main classification: B42F7
IPC codes: B42F7